Previous studies suggested that early continuous airway positive pressure (CPAP) may be beneficial in reducing ventilator dependence and subsequent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. These studies did not test for the optimal timing of CPAP initiation or compare CPAP/PEEP initiation in the delivery room against standard resuscitation methods. Current practice at the time was for the ELBW infant to be intubated early and administered prophylactic surfactant. The feasibility of initiating CPAP in the DR and continuing this therapy without intubation for surfactant had not been determined prospectively in a population of ELBW infants.